Florida Mayor Steven Meiner has backtracked on his controversial attempt to evict a local cinema for screening a documentary critical of Israel. The debate has ignited tensions over free speech in a state already known for battling so-called “woke” content.
At a glance:
• Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner withdrew his proposal to evict O Cinema for showing “No Other Land,” a documentary about Israeli displacement of Palestinians
• The Mayor labeled the Oscar-winning film “one-sided propaganda on the Jewish people” and “antisemitic”
• Over 700 filmmakers including Michael Moore signed an open letter opposing the Mayor’s actions
• The ACLU of Florida was prepared to take legal action had the city adopted the resolution
• Despite winning an Oscar, the film has been rejected by major U.S. distributors and is being self-distributed
Mayor Backs Down After Public Pressure
The controversy began when Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner proposed evicting O Cinema from city property after it screened “No Other Land,” a documentary focusing on Israeli actions in the West Bank. The Mayor’s proposal sparked immediate backlash from free speech advocates and the artistic community nationwide.
During a City Commission meeting, it became clear that Meiner lacked support from the seven-member commission to move forward with his eviction plan. The majority of commissioners and public attendees strongly opposed what many viewed as government censorship of politically sensitive content.
Meiner defended his position by calling the documentary “one-sided propaganda on the Jewish people” and “antisemitic.” His comments reflect growing concerns among conservatives about perceived anti-Israel bias in media coverage of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Artistic Community Rallies Behind Theater
The Mayor’s actions prompted swift condemnation from the artistic community, with hundreds of international filmmakers, including prominent liberal documentarian Michael Moore, signing an open letter against the proposed eviction. The ACLU of Florida also prepared legal action, citing First Amendment concerns.
“Whatever opinions everyone has, this is a democracy. You might disagree with me, and that’s OK. That’s the genesis of our country,” Mayor Steven Meiner said after withdrawing the proposal.
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez urged dialogue rather than punitive measures, telling the Mayor: “I ask that you just withdraw both of these resolutions, which people find punishing, and instead just have a dialogue with O Cinema, and don’t force us to vote on something that could be a dialogue.”
Film Faces Distribution Challenges Despite Oscar Win
“No Other Land” depicts events leading up to the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023 and was created by both Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers. Despite winning an Oscar, the documentary has struggled to find distribution through major American platforms, forcing its creators to self-distribute the controversial film.
Miami Beach has a documented history of similar controversies targeting art and artists for works deemed critical of Israel. Pro-Palestinian protests at Art Basel Miami Beach have previously faced restrictions and police intervention.
